Anxiety fills every part of my being, my muscles, my stomach, my lungs. My breathing is unsteady as me and my teammates get ready for the big game. Unlike most of the players, I’m fully dressed, waiting for Coach to call us in for a pep talk. Super Bowl is a dream I’ve been waiting to achieve since I was a small boy throwing footballs across the meadow at home. I can’t believe I’m here. I had always imagined that if I were ever lucky to play in Super Bowl, I’d be pumped; a rush of adrenaline would throw me into the game like it never had before. I sit staring at Al Tarentino giving one hell of a Super Bowl introduction on the locker television. I like that Al’s doing it. I’ve seen him act as a coach in a few football movies. He’s from New York; they couldn’t have picked a better actor to do it. Al’s Super Bowl introduction has been playing on repeat in the locker room to fire us up.

Though I’m minutes away from running onto the field to play Super Bowl, I can’t stop thinking of Lexi. My practices have been going well this week, but my stomach has been in knots, waiting to hear if Lexi is going to do an interview. But nothing. Not a whisper or rumor. I’ve asked Hal several times to get in contact with Anne. He tells me he has, but Anne has told Hal that Lexi hasn’t decided. It’s killing me. Even if she doesn’t do an interview, is she up in the owner’s box? If she is, there might still be a chance. I can’t stop thinking about the time we spent together, and the things we talked about. I’ve met a lot of people in the entertainment industry, but few feel as real as Lexi does. We have the same values and want the same things in our future. Since she’s been gone, it feels as though time is standing still. I’m moments from running out onto the field to roaring fans and millions watching, but I just want to talk to Lexi. Everyone knows I want more than an interview; a second chance is what I’m aiming for. But at this point, I’d be thrilled if she agreed to go out for a coffee after the game.

My phone rings and my heart skips. Could that be her? I fumble with my phone and notice all the guys around the room stare at me as I answer it.

“Hello?”

“Hi, sweetie!”

“Hi, Mom.” I hear an audible groan from the rest of the boys in the room.

“The box seats you got us are fantastic! Even Elena likes them!”

“That’s great, Mom,” I say, unenthused.

Her usual cheery tone changes to a serious one. “Brett, don’t make this game about Lexi. That’s not fair to yourself and all the work you’ve put into your career.”

“I know.”

“Before you go out on the field today, I want you to think of all the highs you’ve had this season. Think about all your triumphs. Then visualize them when you get to the field and smash them to pieces. Make tonight your biggest highlight, Brett.”

It’s great advice. Advice she’s given me before I played any major game. It has always worked, and usually my best plays are when I have extreme amounts of pressure on me. But now, it’s backfiring.

“Mom, I’ll try my best, but the biggest highlight for me this season would be Lexi doing the interview.”

“Oh, sweetie,” her voice cracks. “Then you play this game for her. You win this and do it for her.”

“Right, Mom. Gotta go.”

“Good luck, Brett. Don’t forget, you’ve always made me proud.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, and hang up. I put it back in my locker.

Coach Dietrick enters the room and stands in the center. “All right, boys. Take a knee. Let’s talk.”

We all bend down on one knee. I look up and notice Dion standing up next to Coach, not taking a knee. “If I weren’t injured today,” Dion says, “I might be playing with you boys.” All the guys nod in agreement. “But that’s a bunch of bullshit,” Dion shouts. “I’ve played starting quarterback for this team for years. We've never made it to Super Bowl. I wish I could say that I was one of the reasons why we got here today. But I’m not”. There’s a pause as Dion looks down at me. All the guys watch Dion’s gaze with solemn expressions. He continues. “Tonight, I asked Coach Dietrick if I could have a few words with you all before the game. That’s about all I can contribute this season—what I’ve to say to you now. This team is at the best it has ever been, we can beat the Crusaders. I have faith that there are players on this team that have a Super Bowl win in them. I also know that there are players here that will likely never play another Super Bowl again. Tonight, bust ass. Bust ass like you never have, because win or lose, you want to leave the field knowing you gave it your all. Unless you’re lucky to make it to another Super Bowl, your star won’t get any brighter than this. So, make damn sure you shine tonight.”

There’s a long silence as we soak in Dion’s words. Dion speaks again, lightening the mood. “Yeah, you all give your best performance tonight. ‘Cause who knows? Even if you don’t win but give an amazing play, that will hit the sports reels for years. And if you have that horseshoe up your ass, you’ll still be able to talk up some pretty young thing in a bar long after your retirement.”

We all laugh. “Let’s win this!” yells Dion. He puts out his hand and we reach out to grab it.

“BLAZERS!” we growl.